Second Sunday After Pentecost

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Welcome to worship as we begin to celebrate this season after Pentecost. Today in many churches the Feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated.

Corpus Christi is a way of giving thanks for the presence of our Saviour Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of God to humanity. Yet every gift is measured not just by its value but by our ability to receive that gift.

This is central then to our attitude to receiving Christ in every Eucharist and in every part of our lives. Our Sunday celebration of this Sacrament is one that is designed to not only bring newness of life, but especially as we “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”

This is not simply a liturgical nicety, but a direction and even a command to be the people God calls us to be. In today’s Gospel Jesus takes this seriously  by even breaking with Sabbath Law working to feed those who are hungry and healing  a man with a withered hand. These kinds of activities were banned on  the Sabbath. He answers them by asking: “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or to kill?” His actions were radical, yet compassionate.
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In what ways might we be called in the faith of Christ and with his presence among us to take actions that continue to bring his presence to the forefront of our lives and for the continuing benefit of all God’s people?
.           Fr Ian